Health Ministry launches National Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) strategy

Ghana has launched a national sickle cell disease (SCD) strategy which seeks to improve the overall outcomes of patients with sickle cell disease through the establishment of a robust governance structure for the management of the condition in the country.

The strategy which seeks to strengthen preventive strategies for SCD as well as reinforce genetic counselling measures in hospitals, communities and churches, is aligned with several global and regional health policies, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive healthcare.

According to government, the strategy represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to address one of the most prevalent and impactful genetic disease in the country.
Sickle cell disease remains a major genetic public health issue in Ghana with over eighteen thousand (18000) newborns diagnosed with the condition annually. The figure represents close to 2% of all newborns.

At the launch of the document, the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye in a statement read on his behalf highlighted the worrying trend of the disease burden in the country, hence the need for the strategy which reflects governments commitment to advance care in the country.

“One in every four Ghanaian carried the sickle cell gene representing about 25% of the population and the figures keeps increasing, which means a significant proportion of the productive population likely to pass the gene on into their hospital in the future.

“Children under five, adolescent and pregnant women are particularly perceptible to sickle cell disease related complications, contributing to higher mobility and mortality rates in these groups. The Disease not only imposes a heavy burden on health care systems, but also affects the qualities of the patients, their families, disrupting education and work. Its High prevalence also translates into substantial health, economic and social care,” he said.

The Minister further urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the vision laid out in the strategy and support its implementation.

“This policies will require our continuous collaboration, resource mobilization and commitment to raising every Ghanaian affected. It’s very important that as stakeholders you align your interventions with the national priorities set out in the document to ensure a streamlined and impactful implementation of the interventions,” he urged.

But giving the over-view of the national sickle cell disease strategy for Ghana, Dr. Lawrence Osei Tutu, a pediatrician at the Komfo Anokye Teaching hospital is concerned little attention is given to newborn screening services which he believes would have been the game changer.

According to him, many children below the ages of 9yrs die before their status are even known.

“We have to prioritize the screening of new born. That’s the only way we can reduce mortality and start early treatment. That’s where we haven’t gotten to as a country. But we are certain the strategy will help us address some of these critical interventions. They all have financial implications and so we need to look at the mirage of challenges affecting the management of the disease in the country,” he said.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, causing red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. It affects approximately 20 million people worldwide and Prevalent in tropical regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, Mediterranean, and Middle East. It is most common genetic disorder in Africa.
Types of SCD are; Sickle Cell Anemia (HbSS), Sickle-Hemoglobin C Disease (HbSC) and Sickle-Beta Thalassemia (HbS?).

Causes and Risk Factors include, Inherited from parents (autosomal recessive), Mutation in HBB gene, coding for hemoglobin subunit beta, Family history, Ethnicity (African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern) and Geography (tropical regions). Symptoms include: Anemia, Pain crises (acute or chronic), Jaundice, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, increased risk of infections and Organ damage (kidneys, liver, and heart)

The occasion was also used to launch the 2022 national Vaccine policy.

The post Health Ministry launches National Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) strategy first appeared on 3News.

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